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Indian women carrying water from stepwell near Jaipur. Photo: Getty #493063982
4.8
| 20 reviews

Cycle the Backroads of Rajasthan

9 nights
Moderate

A colourful, cultural ride through India's desert state via temples, tigers and the Taj Mahal

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with local, English-speaking tour leader and cycling guide

Hotel

Bed down in authentic boutique hotels & heritage properties

Meals

All meals included - tuck in to delicious food throughout

Transfers

Transfers from the airport and throughout the trip, including a support vehicle to hop into if your legs need a rest

Equipment

Trek X-Caliber 6&7 bikes with flat pedals

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.8
| 20 reviews
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
Fab intro to India
April 2024
Karen M.
What an amazing experience!
April 2024
Nicholas W.
What an amazing experience!
April 2024
Nicholas W.
What an amazing experience!
April 2024
Nicholas W.
What an amazing experience!
April 2024
Nicholas W.
What an amazing experience!
April 2024
Nicholas W.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
A trip of a lifetime!
April 2024
Anwen R.
What an adventure!
April 2024
Martin H.
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
April 2024
Liz L.
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
April 2024
Liz L.
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
April 2024
Liz L.
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
April 2024
Liz L.
I really enjoyed my visit to India with Muc...
April 2023
Sophie

Explore Delhi on two wheels before pedalling through ‘The Land of the Kings’ to reach Agra and the unmissable Taj Mahal

Head out on a tiger safari by Jeep in Ranthambore National Park, on the lookout for India's enigmatic Bengal tigers

Cycle to the holy city of Pushkar, explore the hidden side of Jaipur by rickshaw, and relax into some yoga overlooking the Taj

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Delhi

Main Bazar, Paharganj, New Delhi, India. Photo: GettyImages-962826702

Meet your host at the airport in Delhi, and settle in for the transfer across town to your hotel in New Delhi. Check in and enjoy the hotel, before meeting up with the group for a cycle check and dinner together.

Day 2

Cycle past Delhi's highlights

Jama Masjid Mosque Old Delhi, India. Photo: GettyImages-478812424

Cycling

30km · 120m up · 120m down

Saddle up first thing this morning to hit Delhi's streets, cycling amidst the sights and sounds of India's capital. Pedal past some of the city's iconic sights including the presidential house, India Gate and the National War Memorial. In the afternoon, you'll explore Old Delhi on a cycle rickshaw ride through the chaotic streets, visiting the Jama Masjid, Delhi's oldest mosque and the Sheeshganj Gurudwara, a Sikh temple where you can learn about the Sikh religion.

Day 3

Cycle to Jaipur

Indian women carrying water from stepwell near Jaipur. Photo: Getty #493063982

Driving

5hrs

Cycling

40km · 190m up · 190m down

Head out of Delhi in the van, for a five-hour drive to a village called Samode where your Rajasthan riding truly gets underway. Take in the rural feel of this area, cycling through villages as you make your way to Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital and one of the state's most vibrant cities. Settle into your traditional haveli accommodation before heading out to explore the Amber Fort and watch the sun set over 'the Pink City'.

Day 4

Unique rickshaw capers in the Pink City

A memorable way to see Jaipur awaits today as you meet up with an NGO: The Pink City Rickshaw Company, who provide aspirational employment opportunities to 200 women from low-income households in Jaipur. You'll hop into a custom-designed, carbon neutral e-rickshaw, keeping all the whimsy and iconic nature of this staple of Indian transportation. Your female rickshaw guide will show you the secrets hidden in the walled city of Jaipur, telling stories that offer a peek into the soul of the Pink City. Enjoy some well-earned downtime in the afternoon, relaxing at your haveli or exploring Jaipur at your own pace, before dinner in the evening.

Day 5

Cycle from Jaipur to Pushkar

POV of cycling through Rajasthan rural roads in India. Photo: GettyImages-1295520790

Driving

2-3hrs

Cycling

54km · 240m up · 240m down

Bid farewell to Jaipur and hop in the van for a couple of hours to reach Roopangarh Fort. Back on the bikes you'll ride deeper into rural Rajasthan, passing village scenes and several forts before stopping for lunch. Continue pedalling further through this desert-like landscape, finally arriving at the holy lakeside city of Pushkar – an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs.

Day 6

Pushkar to Ranthambore

An image of a cute Langur Monkey hanging from one arm taken in India's famous Ranthambhore National Park. Photo: GettyImages-467448180

Driving

6hrs

Cycling

40km · 210m up · 210m down

Hiking

1hr

Pedal out of Pushkar, heading east for 40km until you reach the village of Kishangarh. Stop here for lunch and load the bikes onto the trailer as you settle in to be chauffeured the rest of the way to the jungles of Ranthambore National Park. Check into your nature-immersed resort and enjoy some downtime.

Day 7

Tiger safari

Ranthambore tiger safari in India. Photo: GettyImages-157739460

Wildlife Watching

6hrs

Rest your legs today – your eyes will be doing all of the work. You'll head out on jeep safaris into Ranthambore National Park, with the main draw being the chance of sighting Bengal tigers. While the majestic tigers rightly steal the show, Ranthambore is a magical place where nature has reclaimed ancient fortresses and temples, and is now teeming with wildlife. The park is also home to the sambar (the largest of all Asiatic deer), plus varieties of eagles, marsh crocodiles, pythons, leopards and sloth bears. Between safaris, you'll also hike to Ranthambore Fort to take in the view of the national park from the top.

Day 8

On to Agra and the Taj Mahal

Young man contemplating the famous Taj Mahal at sunrise walking and wandering inside the marvellous monument. Photo: GettyImages-1085852158

Driving

5hrs

Enjoy another of India's big hitters today, swapping tigers for the Taj Mahal as you head to this iconic architectural gem. After breakfast at your Ranthambore resort, you'll settle in for the five-hour road trip to Agra, arriving mid-afternoon. Later in the evening, you'll head into the grounds of the Taj Mahal, approaching the spectacular mausoleum via a network of intricately maintained gardens and fountains. Watch the sun go down before heading back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned sleep, following a spectacular couple of days.

Day 9

Yoga overlooking the Taj

Taj Mahal historic monument at sunset as seen from Mehtab Bagh garden on the opposite side of the Yamuna river at Agra, India. Photo: GettyImages-1169496062

Yoga

1hr

Driving

4hrs

After all the cycling and wildlife spotting of the past week, a good stretch is needed this morning – one with the most spectacular backdrop. Head to a green space in the Taj Nature Walk Park, overlooking the Taj Mahal and away from the hustle of Agra. You'll find a quiet spot first thing, joining a yoga teacher for a restorative session linking up India's famous physical, mental, and spiritual practice at the site of its most famous landmark. What a way to end the trip! You'll head back to Delhi later for a goodbye meal to toast the trip in style.

Day 10

Goodbye Delhi

Enjoy one last breakfast in India's capital before checking out, for your host to transfer you to Delhi Airport in time for your return flight.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Anytime on Day 1

Ends

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Anytime on Day 9

Transfers

Your host will meet you on arrival at the international airport in Delhi and transfer you to your accommodation in New Delhi. On the last day of your trip, your host will transfer you from your accommodation in to the airport in Delhi in time for your flight home.

Airport transfers are included in the main price if you arrive on Day 1 and depart on Day 9. If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and pre/post-trip accommodation. See Optional Extras for prices.

Travel options

There are numerous direct flight options to Delhi with various carriers from the UK, Europe and the east coast of North America. Travellers from the west coast of North America will generally transit through major hubs such as London, Paris and Dubai.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Any trip to India is a sensory delight, and the flavours are a big part of that. North Indian cuisine is often mirrored in the curries found outside of India in Western restaurants, so curry lovers will be in their element on this trip. Curry dishes in the north tend to be rich and creamy, with common ingredients being cashew, chicken, lamb, potato, cauliflower, and breads such as naan, paratha and roti. Delhi is fantastic for street food such as chaat - a whole family of different types of savoury snacks, and chole bhature - a famous Delhi street dish of curried chickpeas and fried bread served with chillies, onions and coriander. There are Western food options available if you fancy a break from Indian food at any point. The stunning Bar Palladio (found at your palace accommodation in Jaipur) is a classic Italian restaurant, inspired by European dining in India.

Vegetarians and vegans are extremely well catered for in nearly all parts of India. Other dietary requirements and allergies can also be catered for - please just request these on your passenger info form.

What is the accommodation like?

Delhi

In Delhi, you'll stay at the Regend Grand Ambassador – an award-winning hotel in Central Delhi infusing traditional and modern styles. You'll stay in a twin-share room with an en-suite bathroom.

Jaipur

In Jaipur you'll stay at the Traditional Heritage Haveli, located at Bani Park in the centre of Jaipur. The haveli (a converted townhouse) has an outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre to help you unwind after exploring the hustle and bustle of the walled city. You'll stay in a twin-share room with an en-suite bathroom.

Ranthambore National Park

On the fringe of Ranthambore National Park, you'll spend two nights at the Pugmark Wildlife Resort – luxury accommodation with a swimming pool, spa services and an excellent restaurant. Designed to nestle in the landscape with its natural gardens, the Pugmark is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset after a busy day of tiger-spotting in the park. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Pushkar

In Pushkar you'll stay at the Brahma Horizon Hotel - a modern, luxury hotel in one of India's oldest cities. The rooms have fantastic views of Pushkar and the surrounding hills, while the pool makes a great place to relax and cool off from the Rajasthani heat. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Agra

In Agra you'll stay at the Hotel Royal Regent – a 4-star hotel in central Agra with a pool and terrace overlooking the city. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

This trip has been rated as Moderate

This trip is designed for cyclists of average fitness able to cover around 45km (average) each on back-to-back days. You'll be riding on rural roads through Rajasthan's desert, without too much elevation gain and loss and there are regular rest breaks each day, so the going is easily manageable by most cyclists with basic fitness. The Rajasthan heat is definitely a factor several months of the year, so bring some suitable breathable clothing to wear and your cycle leader will ensure the rides are broken up with regular hydration stops. No technical skill is required, just some strong legs and a sense of adventure! There will also be a support vehicle alongside the group to transport your luggage, so if the going gets too tough or too hot, you can always jump in for a bit of respite.

What will I need to carry?

No. You'll need to have a larger bag suitable for all your belongings which will be transported for you. If you wish to ride with a small backpack or to bring along a saddle bag to keep your phone, camera and any other small valuables in, then please do - see kit list.

Travellers flock to Rajasthan throughout the year, however for a physical trip the months of May-August are best avoided due to the heat of the pre-monsoon and monsoon months. We don't run departures during this period. Winter in Rajasthan is from October-March when temperatures are at their most pleasant and rainfall at its lowest. Expect highs of between 22-29°C / 72-84°F. Things start hotting up in April with temperatures notching up by several degrees and humidity rising as the monsoon builds up, however, cycling trips are still enjoyable during the month of April.

Karen M.(April 2024)
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India
Fab intro to India

A fantastic trip with a great mix of cycling and sightseeing! Our guide Maddy was excellent, very knowledgeable, well organised, friendly and funny! Fantastic support staff too, always on hand refilling water bottles and feeding us with fruit. Hotels were all adequate with all but 1 having a decent pool which was well received by the group after a hot day on the bike! My first trip to India and MBA and it totally exceeded my expectations

Marcus B.(April 2024)
Had a lot of fun

Had a lot of fun under the guidance of Maddy. Was pushed out of my comfort zone (in a good way) Went into this with zero training, but still had a fun time. Nice variety of activities

Sellene C.(April 2024)
Absolutely loved this tour. It

Absolutely loved this tour. It covered all the main sites of Rajasthan, plus the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore National Park. An action packed itinerary that gives a real insight and feel to India without the stress of having to organise and plan it all yourself. Lots of laughs and fun with an excellent tour group and Maddy was a great guide.

Nicholas W.(April 2024)
What an amazing experience!
What an amazing experience!
What an amazing experience!
What an amazing experience!
What an amazing experience!
What an amazing experience!

What an amazing trip - Maddy, our leader was just fantastic. He made sure that we covered all the stuff in the itinerary as well as well as reading the vibes of the group. The trip itself was the perfect blend of adventure, culture, food and sightseeing. All the people on the MBA trip were lovely too. Overall, I couldn’t recommend it more strongly as my first visit to India (and my first MBA trip).

Anwen R.(April 2024)
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!
A trip of a lifetime!

The most fun filled, exhausting, rewarding and once in a life time experience! Having never visited Asia before, I was very nervous coming on this trip, but wow I couldn’t have been more wrong. From arrival in the airport I felt relaxed and looked after, and once I met the group and our incredible tour guide Maddy I knew this was going to be a special holiday. We packed so much in to the trip, and the itinerary was spot on. But what I liked most is that Maddy would happily adapt things to the groups wants and needs throughout. He was knowledge, friendly and his laid back nature made me feel at ease the whole time. The hotels were brilliant, and the food was tasty. A lot of curry, but I was expecting this! I loved every minute and would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in India!

Martin H.(April 2024)
What an adventure!
What an adventure!

What an amazing adventure! I can’t rate this trip highly enough - the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of India will stay with me forever. Our guide Maddy absolutely made the trip, with his knowledge and intelligent insights, his wit and charm, and his infectious laugh! The hotels were great - each one better than the last; the food, while maybe a little curry-heavy for some, was all delicious; and the experiences, particularly the Taj Mahal, were outstanding. Since returning I have looked into countless other MBA trips and I would say this was “culture with a bit of cycling thrown in” so it’s probably more for a curious traveller than a keen cyclist - there is a lot of time in the bus… don’t underestimate the “extras” (forts, safaris, rickshaws etc) - they really enhance the trip, but all in all what a way to see this amazing country, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Liz L.(April 2024)
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
The best way to tour Rajasthan!
The best way to tour Rajasthan!

An exceptional tour, I would absolutely recommend. I loved the diversity of the places we visited, all the accommodation was perfect and the food always was delicious with a wide selection. The cycling was such a perfect way to see 'real' India and even in the chaos of New Delhi I felt safe! The 4 days of cycling each had a different aspect of Rajasthan and the support crew were amazing. Finally our tour leader Maddy couldn't do enough for us and he really made the tour; we always knew what the plan was and the options available, Maddy was so informative on India and was always able to answer our numerous questions. Maddy arranged so I could wear my Sari, which was amazing, he also arranged a surprise cake for my Birthday which literally was the icing on the cake! Absolutely loved this tour!

Daniel(December 2023)
A really great trip and

A really great trip and a great introduction to India if you've never been before. Our guide AK was excellent and we had a really great time!

Andrew(December 2023)
Just back from a fantastic

Just back from a fantastic cycling adventure in Rajasthan. From the excitement of cycling in New Delhi on Day 1, walking with elephants to the fort in Jaipur, watching the sunrise from the temple at Pushkar, and seeing the Taj - the trip was totally amazing! Thank you MBA and AK!

Janice(December 2023)
A good if tiring trip

A good if tiring trip which immerses you in the culture & chaos of India, fabulous guide in AK who looked after us very well. Really enjoyed cycling through the rural areas & seeing the ‘real’ India, fabulous food & loved the ‘masala chai’.

Katie(December 2023)
Great trip and Maddy was

Great trip and Maddy was an incredible guide. You see so much in 10 days and the cycling is very manageable. Definitely recommend.

Louise(November 2023)
What a fabulous experience. My

What a fabulous experience. My first time in India and hopefully not my last. Our wonderful group leader made sure we got the most out of our trip. The cultural experience was fascinating and the cycling was well managed for different abilities . Amazing food and a friendly group made for a great all round holiday.

Gill(November 2023)

We had a great trip with a lovely group. Our guide, Maddy, was brilliant - knowledgeable and really looked after us all!

Sophie(April 2023)
I really enjoyed my visit to India with Muc...
I really enjoyed my visit to India with Muc...
I really enjoyed my visit to India with Muc...
I really enjoyed my visit to India with Muc...
I really enjoyed my visit to India with Muc...

I really enjoyed my visit to India with Much Better Adventures. Our trip was action packed and we really made the most of every minute we had there - I don't think I've ever done so much or seen so much on a holiday before! We did a lot of sightseeing, learnt a lot about the culture and tried local cuisine. The cycling was lots of fun and got to show a different side to India. Without the cycling, we wouldn't have been able to experience the more rural parts of the country or get to meet some very welcoming villagers. I thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in going to India. AK is a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and good fun - he gave us an experience that wouldn't have been possible without him.

Stuart(April 2023)

A great trip to get a taste of India from cycling on the back roads and yoga over looking the Taj Mahal. AK our guide was a great bloke too!

Susan(April 2023)

On this trip, India felt like home, when home was very far away. A fantastic adventure filled with rich culture and history, vivid colors, delicious cuisine, shopping to support local craftspeople, biking through beautiful countryside and an amazing guide made for an epic vacation.

Alice(April 2023)

Really fun week overall, busy days with lots to see and experience. Couldn’t have asked for more in a trip with the cycling, hiking and sight seeing! The accomodation we stayed in was lovely and the host was great too.

Sarah(April 2023)
Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many uni...
Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many uni...
Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many uni...
Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many uni...
Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many uni...

Such a brilliant, fun trip with so many unique experiences crammed into a relatively short space of time. The cycling through the towns in rural Rajasthan was so much fun - a really special way of seeing the country and the people there. Suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness. Other highlights were visiting the markets in Delhi, everything in Jaipur (jeep ride, amber fort), the Taj Mahal visit with yoga and an incredible sunrise hike to a hillside temple in Pushkar, complete with monkeys. We also visited a local fabric producer, gemstone jewellers and artisan rug makers - really interesting and an incredible opportunity for some shopping. Spent much more than I was anticipating. Our guide AK was great with us from sunrise to sunset everyday, as was the team of drivers and mechanics who helped us travel around on coach and bike. Really appreciated all their hard work. The hotels we stayed in were beautiful, wish we had a bit more time to enjoy them! Also great food, a lot of curry, but the best curry I've ever tasted! The perfect intro to India.

Christianne(April 2023)
Amazing trip cycling & touring in Northern...
Amazing trip cycling & touring in Northern...
Amazing trip cycling & touring in Northern...
Amazing trip cycling & touring in Northern...

Amazing trip cycling & touring in Northern India - still cant quite believe we did it. Wonderful tour leader AK and support crew who were with us all the way. Wonderful sights, great food, fab hotels and experiences. My first trip with MBA and I'll definitely use them again :)

Jen(April 2023)
This trip exceeded my expectations. From st...
This trip exceeded my expectations. From st...
This trip exceeded my expectations. From st...
This trip exceeded my expectations. From st...
This trip exceeded my expectations. From st...

This trip exceeded my expectations. From start to finish it was a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend. We had the best guide, AK, who coordinated every detail, made us feel safe, educated us about the history and culture of India, and shared the true beauty of the country and it's people. If you have a chance to do the optional activity in Jaipur of the evening jeep tour of the city—do it! It was a highlight of the trip. This whole adventure is one for the books!

Guides

Local, English-speaking tour leader and cycling guide

Accommodation

Bed down in authentic boutique hotels & heritage properties

Meals

All meals included - tuck in to delicious food throughout

Transfers

Airport and all other transfers

Equipment

Trek X-Caliber 6&7 bikes with flat pedals

Support Vehicle

  • To hop in to if your legs need a rest

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What's included?

  • Cannondale Quick 6 hybrid bikes with flat pedals

What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (20-30 litres)
  • Waterproof liner for daypack

CYCLE KIT

  • Helmet (required)
  • Pedals and saddle if you would rather use your own (these will be fitted to the bike for you)

CLOTHES

  • Padded cycling shorts
  • Sports top or cycling jersey
  • Fleece jacket or similar jacket for the evenings
  • Rainproof and windproof lightweight jacket
  • Trousers/leggings for the evenings
  • Cycling gloves
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear and socks
  • Sunglasses and sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Cycling shoes/trainers (bring your own pedals if using cleats)
  • Sandals

OTHER

  • Swimwear (for hotels)
  • Bumbag or small handlebar bag for riding
  • Quick-dry travel towel
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Earplugs
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (including blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Energy bars and snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Pre/post trip accommodation in Delhi (single, twin or double)

Payable Before Departure

Pre/post trip accommodation in Delhi (single, twin or double)

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Private airport transfer - each way

Payable Before Departure

Private airport transfer - each way

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 621kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

It's no secret that we love cycling and many of us at HQ think it's the best way to see a country, however, we realise that organising your own trip can be a total faff. On our cycling trips, we've found a local guide who has put together a perfect route and will navigate for you all the way. We even send a van that transports your overnight luggage and provide high-quality bikes and delicious snacks to keep you going. Faff eliminated! All you have to do is turn up, pedal and take in the landscape with your fellow tourers. You don't need to be a lycra-clad 'roadie' although they're welcome too!

You'll be riding Trek X-Caliber 6&7 bikes. These are aluminium 'hardtail' mountain bikes with front suspension - perfect for riding on rural and city roads in India. The bikes have standard flat pedals - if you would rather pack your own saddle and pedals (including SPDs), please do and these will be fitted for you.

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. The following advice may be subject to change. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

All foreign nationalities entering India require a valid visa, which in most cases must be obtained in advance of travel (please check the regulations for your nationality). You must have a machine-readable passport, valid for at least 180 days from your arrival date in India. Persons of Indian origin must have an OCI card. Clients with a Pakistani passport or of Pakistani descent will need extra time and additional documents for visa processing.

Applicants of eligible countries can either apply online for an Indian e-Visa or apply for a Standard Visa, which involves an in-person visit to a branch of the Indian High Commission's Visa Facilitation Service (VFS). There have been delays to Standard Visa processing times so please book your appointment ASAP if using this service.

Travellers eligible for an e-visa, which includes those from the UK, US, CA and EU, can apply online via https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html. Applications for 30-day e-Tourist visas can be made from 30 days before the proposed date of travel and not less than 4 days before your arrival date in India (applications for multiple entry 1-year e-Tourist visas can be made from 120 days in advance).

Applications for a Standard Visa (requiring both an online application and an in-person appointment) can be made via the VFS Global website.

Optional Tipping Kitty: Tipping is part of the culture in India. Your guide will offer to run a tipping kitty whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and they then take care of tipping on behalf of the group. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. The tipping kitty will cover tips for drivers, any additional local guides, and hotel staff (excludes restaurant tips). Your guide will keep a running record of all monies spent which you can ask to see at any time. Participation in this kitty is at your discretion and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. For this trip, the kitty will be in the region of INR 4,000 per person (10 days). Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your main guide.

Tipping your Main Guide: If you have received excellent service and wish to tip your guide, the amount is entirely a personal preference and you are free to tip any amount you feel is appropriate. As a rough guideline only, your host recommends INR 4,500 – 5,000 per person (10 days) but you may decide to tip more or less as you see fit. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Filtered water is available at most of the hotels you stay at on this trip - you can fill up your refillable bottle and bike bottle from your hotel each day. Additionally, your tour leader and driver will carry a large container of purified water for the group to refill their bottles from.

You can leave excess luggage at the Ambassador Hotel in Delhi, as you are staying here on the first and last nights of the trip. The same support vehicle is used throughout the adventure, so you are also free to leave additional luggage securely in the vehicle for the duration of your ride through Rajasthan.

Ramadan will take place from 22nd March to 20th April 2023 and 10th March to 8th April 2024. The national holiday of Eid ul-Fitr will follow for 2-3 days. Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. However in hotel restaurants and tourist areas food and drink are served as normal and Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

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You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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